Have an Eye for Fonts? Microsoft Needs You

Company retiring Calibri as default font in Microsoft Office, wants public's help in picking new one
By Jenn Gidman,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 29, 2021 8:23 AM CDT
Microsoft Wants You to Pick Next Default Font in Office
In this Nov. 10, 2016, file photo, people walk near a Microsoft office in New York.   (AP Photo/Swayne B. Hall, File)

"We need to talk." So begins Microsoft's breakup letter to Calibri, which has served as the company's default font since 2007. Now Microsoft is introducing five new original fonts, and one of them will end up taking Calibri's place as the default font in Microsoft Office, reports Gizmodo. "[Calibri] has served us all well, but we believe it's time to evolve," the company said in a Wednesday blog post. Here's where a little crowdsourcing comes in: Microsoft wants the public's input to decide which one of the five new fonts will replace Calibri.

Microsoft goes into detail on the design and inspiration behind the five new fonts: Tenorite, Bierstadt, Skeena, Seaford, and Grandview; Gizmodo has a screenshot of what each font looks like. The company notes that Microsoft 365 subscribers can try out the fonts now via the cloud, and that it welcomes people's thoughts on social media. After hearing feedback, Microsoft will incorporate the new default font into Office sometime next year, per the Verge. No matter which one is the winner, all five will still be available—as will the font that's getting kicked out of the top spot. "Don't worry. While Calibri won't be the default, it'll always be available," Microsoft notes. (More font stories.)

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